Child carrier

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a child carrier for carrying a child in a standing position on the back of the wearer are disclosed. According to various embodiments, the child carrier can comprise a rigid or substantially rigid frame, and a rigid or substantially rigid platform, configured for a person to stand upon, extending outwardly from a lower region of the frame.

FIELD

The present teachings relate to the field of human transport methods andapparatus, and more particularly to carriers for small persons such aschildren.

BACKGROUND

There are many child carriers designed to transport infants and youngtoddlers. However, there is an unfilled need for child carriers designedspecifically to transport preschoolers, who are able to walk, but whooften tire easily. These relatively older children are heavier and thuscan cause physical strain to an adult's body while being carried. It canbe desirable that a child carrier for these older toddlers shouldprovide adequate support for the adult wearing it. Another desirablefeature for a child carrier designed for preschoolers can be the abilityfor the child to easily and quickly board and dismount on his/her own,as children of this age are gaining independence and their ability toexplore the world around them.

SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary and non-limiting summary of various embodiments is setforth next.

The present teachings provide, among other things, methods and apparatusfor human transport, and particularly methods and apparatus for pickingup, carrying, and putting down children.

Various aspects of the present teachings relate to a child carrier forcarrying a child in a standing position on the back of a wearer.According to various embodiments, the child carrier can comprise a rigidor substantially rigid frame, and a rigid or substantially rigidplatform, configured for a person to stand upon, extending from a lowerregion on the rear or backside of the frame.

According to various embodiments, a child carrier, wearable on a user'sback, can comprise, for example: an elongate rigid or substantiallyrigid frame, including first and second lateral sides, an upper region,and a lower region; first and second shoulder straps extending from theframe; a waist belt extending from the frame, which can be beneath theshoulder straps, adapted for dispersing weight about a user; and, agenerally planar, substantially rigid platform, configured for a childto stand upon, extending outwardly from the lower region of the frame;and, wherein, upon moving the child carrier toward the ground, theplatform can be positioned generally parallel and juxtaposed theretosuch that a child can readily step upon or off of it.

In various embodiments, the frame and platform, together, generally forman “L” shape.

In a variety of embodiments, the platform is substantially rigidlyattached at the lower region of the frame.

In some embodiments, the platform is pivotally attached at the lowerregion of said frame. For example, one or more hinges can provide apivotal attachment.

In various embodiments, child carriers according to the presentteachings can further comprise at least one strap configured to extendacross and/or around and retain a child while standing on the platform.

In a variety of embodiments, child carriers according to the presentteachings can further comprise at least one hand hold along the upperregion of the frame. The hand-hold can comprise at least a portion ofthe frame, a strap, or a separate hand-hold can be mounted to the frame.

According to various embodiments, the frame is, at least in part,tubular. In other embodiments, a variety of frame cross-sections arecontemplated, e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, oval, oblong, etc.

In various embodiments, the first and second shoulder straps areconnected at the first and second lateral sides of the frame,respectively.

In some embodiments, the platform comprises a slip-resistant uppersurface. For example, textured tape can be applied to the upper surfaceto reduce or prevent slipping. In some embodiments, the upper surface istreated with a composition of matter that imparts anti-slip propertiesto it. In a variety of embodiments, the upper surface comprises surfacefeatures, e.g., notches, channels, ridges, protrusions, indentations,etc., that can act to reduce or prevent slippage.

In various embodiments, a child carrier in accordance with the presentteachings can comprise, for example: an elongate substantially rigidframe, including a lower region; means for supporting the frame via auser's shoulders; means for dispersing the weight of the carrier about auser's midsection or waist; and, platform means comprising a rigidsurface for supporting a child in a standing position, with feetside-by-side, at the lower region of the frame; and, wherein, uponmoving the child carrier toward the ground, the surface can bepositioned juxtaposed thereto such that a child can readily step upon oroff of it.

In various embodiments, the means for supporting comprises one or morestraps. In some embodiments, the one or more straps comprise first andsecond shoulder straps extending from the frame. In various embodiments,the straps include one or more buckles.

In various embodiments, the means for dispersing comprises a beltconfigured for extending from said frame about a user's waist.

In accordance with a variety of embodiments, the child carrier canfurther comprise means for retaining a child standing thereon. Invarious embodiments, the means for retaining can comprise one or morestraps. In some embodiments, the one or more straps can include one ormore buckles. In various embodiments, the straps and buckles canprovide, for example, for a single-point harness, a two-point harness, athree-point harness, a four-point harness, a five-point harness, asix-point harness, etc.

Various aspects of the present teachings relate to methods for carryinga small person. In various embodiments, a method for carrying a smallperson, such as a child, can comprise, for example: providing a carriercomprising a rigid or substantially rigid frame, and a rigid orsubstantially rigid platform configured for a person to stand uponextending outwardly from a lower region of the frame; strapping thecarrier onto one's (the wearer's) back; moving the carrier toward theground, such that the platform becomes positioned generally parallel andjuxtaposed thereto; permitting the person to step onto the platform,while proximate the ground, and to stand upon it; moving the carrieraway from the ground, with the person standing on the platform; and,walking, with the person standing on the platform.

In various embodiments, while standing or walking, an uppermost regionof the frame is lower than a wearer's eye level.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present teachings, theplatform can be configured to pivot between an extended position and afolded position. Further, in various embodiments, a method for carryinga small person can further comprise pivoting the platform from anout-of-use folded position, generally parallel to the long axis of theframe, to a ready-to-use extended position generally normal to theframe.

In various embodiments, the step of moving the carrier toward the groundcomprises kneeling or squatting (e.g., from a standing position) by thewearer.

In a variety of embodiments, the step of moving the carrier away fromthe ground comprises standing up (e.g., from a squatting or kneelingposition) by the wearer.

Various aspects of the present teachings relate to kits for converting asuitable generally-available, external-frame backpack into a childcarrier. For example, in accordance with various embodiments, acommercially-available, rigid or substantially-rigid, external-framebackpack including a shelf portion can be provided, and the packremoved. A platform comprising a surface can be secured to a shelfportion of the external frame. To this end, the kit can include aplatform and one or more pieces of mounting hardware (e.g., threadedfasteners) and, optionally, one or more appropriate tools for mounting(e.g., screw driver, pliers, wrench, and the like). The kit can alsoinclude one or more spacer members for adjusting the height of theplatform, and optionally anti-slip means for the platform. A belt orharness assembly can be provided in the kit, as desired, for retaining achild when standing on the platform. The belt or harness assembly canattach, for example, to the external frame and/or to the shoulderstraps, and can be secured to a child. Further, the kit can includeinstructions, e.g., in paper and/or electronic format, for converting anexternal-frame backpack to a child carrier, in accordance with variousembodiments of the present teachings.

In various embodiments, the present teachings provide kits forconverting generally-available backpacks to child carriers, inaccordance with the present teachings. In various embodiments, forexample, a kit can comprise a platform and mounting hardware, such asthreaded fasteners. A kit can also include one or more tools (e.g., ascrew driver, pliers, a wrench, and the like). Additionally, the kit caninclude instructions for converting the backpack to a child carrier. Insome embodiments, the instructions can list commercially-availablebackpacks suitable for conversion into a child carrier, in accordancewith the present teachings. According to various embodiments, theplatform can have holes pre-formed to receive fasteners, or a templatecan be provided for an end-user to create (e.g., drill) holes atappropriate places in the platform. A belt or harness assembly can beprovided in the kit, as desired, for retaining a child when standing onthe platform. The belt or harness assembly can attach, for example, tothe external frame and/or to the shoulder straps, and can be secured toa child. The kit can also include one or more spacer members foradjusting the height of the platform, and optionally anti-slip means forthe platform.

Various aspects of the present teachings provide kits for converting anexternal-frame backpack into a child carrier. In accordance with variousembodiments, a kit can comprise: a rigid or substantially rigidplatform; one or more pieces of mounting hardware; and instructions, inpaper and/or electronic format, for mounting the platform to a shelfportion of the external-frame backpack.

In various embodiments, the kit can further comprise one or more tools,such as one or more screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, etc.

In some embodiments, the kit further comprises one or more spacermembers for adjusting the height of the platform, as desired.

In a variety of embodiments, the kit further comprises anti-slip meansfor the platform, such as anti-slip tape, an anti-slip composition,and/or a textured surface.

In various embodiments, the kit further comprises a belt or harnessassembly for retaining a child when standing on the platform (e.g., aone-point, two-point, three-point, four-point, five-point assembly, orthe like).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present teachingswill be or will become further apparent to one with skill in the artupon examination of the following figures and description.

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a child carriercomprising a frame and platform, according to various embodiments of thepresent teachings.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the platform of FIG. 1, showing bracesholding the platform to the frame, in accordance with variousembodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the platform of FIG. 1, showing the topportions of threaded fasteners used to hold the platform to the frame,according to various embodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the child carrier of FIG. 1,including a spacer member between the platform and the frame foradjusting the height of the platform, as desired, according to variousembodiments of the present teachings.

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a user kneeling while wearing a childcarrier according to various embodiments of the present teachings, and achild stepping onto the platform of the carrier while gripping ahand-hold.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the user and child of FIG. 5, with the userstanding fully upright while wearing the child carrier and the childstanding fully upright while on the platform, according to variousembodiments of the present teachings.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to various embodiments. While the presentteachings will be described in conjunction with various embodiments, itwill be understood that they are not intended to limit the presentteachings to those embodiments. On the contrary, the present teachingsare intended to cover various alternatives, modifications, andequivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

Various aspects of the present teachings relate to methods and apparatusfor carrying persons, including small persons, such as children (e.g.,toddlers). Particularly, various embodiments of the present teachingsrelate to child carriers. For example, according to various embodiments,a child carrier of the present teachings can be wearable on a user'sback, and can comprise a rigid or substantially rigid frame and a rigidor substantially rigid platform extending or extendable from a lowerregion of the frame. The platform can be configured for a child to standupon. A child carrier, according to various embodiments of the presentteachings, can be useful, e.g., for carrying a child in a standingposition on a wearer's back.

Referring to FIG. 1, in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent teachings, a partially exploded, perspective view of a childcarrier is depicted generally at 12, comprising a frame 14 and aplatform 16. As shown, frame 14 is elongated in the vertical directionand includes left and right side (lateral) rails 14 a, 14 b, an uppercross rail 14 c bridging the left and right side rails; and a lower,rearwardly extending base region 18 having a cross rail, 14 d, at itsterminus. The base region extends outwardly, forming a step or shelfwhich can support platform 16.

According to various embodiments, the frame comprises a rigid orsubstantially rigid frame. The frame can be formed of one or morematerials that are relatively light in weight, since the frame isintended to be carried, yet are sufficiently strong to bear the load ofa child standing on the platform. For example, according to variousembodiments, frames herein can be comprised of steel, titanium,aluminum, and the like. In some embodiments, a frame is comprised of oneor more composite materials. While a variety of frame geometries arecontemplated herein, in various embodiments, the frame can comprise atubular frame.

The frame can comprise a shape to generally conform to the shape of awearer's back when wearing the carrier. Thus, while the majority of theframe can roughly be described as generally planar, it is not in factperfectly planar, but rather has mild curves and bends. The lowermostportion of frame, on the other hand, comprises a sharp outward bend thatforms a step or shelf. The step or shelf itself lies generally along aplane which forms an angle a with the general plane of the frame. Suchangle a can be, for example, within a range of from about 70 degrees toabout 130 degrees. In some embodiments, such angle is about 90 degrees.In various embodiments, the shelf is configured to be substantiallyhorizontal to the ground (+/−5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, or 20degrees) when the carrier is worn by a user.

In various embodiments, and with continuing reference to FIG. 1, leftand right shoulder straps 21, 22 extend from the front of frame 14, andconnect at left and right side rails, 14 a, 14 b, respectively. A belt26 for dispersing or distributing the weight of the carrier and any loadthereon about a wearer's waist can be located beneath the shoulderstraps. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, above the carrier, is shown a belt28 including first and second swivel snap hooks, 32, 34, attached at itsterminal ends by way of respective tri-rings, 36, 38, with each swivelsnap hook being configured to engage a respective tri-ring 42, 44attached to an upper portion of one of shoulder straps. Belt 28 is of alength sufficient to allow it to reach back behind the child carrier andaround a child thereon when the carrier is in use. Further, belt 28 canbe sufficiently taut in order that the belt can act to retain, at leastin part, a person standing on the platform. In various embodiments, theshoulder straps and/or one or both belts include padding, especiallyalong those regions where they are anticipated to be in contact with,and/or pressing upon, a person's body. The belts can be provided withbuckles (not shown), such as quick release buckles, to allow readybuckling and removal. The shoulder straps and belts can comprise anysuitable material(s). For example, according to various embodiments, thestraps and belts can comprise one or more of nylon, polyester, and/orpolypropylene webbing.

In a variety of embodiments, a hand hold (not shown in FIG. 1) can beprovided along an upper region of the frame. In various embodiments, aportion of the frame itself, and/or a portion of a strap, provides ahand hold. In some embodiments, one or more hand holds are provided asadd-ons to the frame. For example, in various embodiments, a handle canattach (e.g., clamp) to top rail 14 c.

According to various embodiments, a platform extends, or is extendable,from the frame. With continued reference to FIG. 1, platform 16 cancomprise, for example, a planar or substantially planar surface 16 a. Invarious embodiments, a generally planar, rigid or substantially rigidplatform, configured for a child to stand upon, extends, or isextendable, outwardly from a lower region on the backside of frame 14.Upon moving child carrier 12 toward the ground, platform 16 can bepositioned generally parallel and juxtaposed thereto such that a childcan readily step upon or off of surface 16 a.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present teachings,platform 16 can be provided with one or more surface features configuredto reduce or prevent slipping. For example, the surface can be treatedwith an anti-slip composition or material, a slip-resistant tape can beapplied to the surface, and/or indentations and/or protrusions can beprovided along the surface to reduce or prevent slipping.

As can be seen in the embodiment of FIG. 1, frame 14 and platform 16,together, generally form an “L” shape. In various embodiments, the shelfportion of the frame, or the platform, comprises the bottommost portionof the overall child carrier assembly.

In various embodiments, the platform is rigidly attached at a lowerregion of the frame. In some embodiments, the platform is pivotallyattached at the lower region of the frame. For example, one or morehinges can provide a pivotal connection between a long or majorside-edge of the platform proximate the frame and the frame.

The platform can connect or fasten to the frame by any suitable means.For example, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, four U-clamps48 a-d are shown securing the underside of platform 16 to the shelfregion of frame 14. Threaded fasteners such as 52, for example, cansecure the U-clamps to the platform. For example, nuts, bolts, screws,and the like, can be employed. In various embodiments, the heads of anybolts or screws employed are flush mounted with the surface of platform,or recessed therein. In some embodiments, the platform can be held tothe frame by one or more adhesives, welds, rivets, and the like.

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the child carrier of FIG. 1,including a spacer member 56 interposed between platform 16 and frame14, according to various embodiments of the present teachings. Such aspacer can be useful, for example, to increase the height of theplatform with respect to the frame, thereby improving usability forrelatively shorter users that might stand on the platform. As can beseen, sufficiently long threaded fasteners 52 (one of which is shown inthe figure) can be employed to secure the spacer between the undersideof platform 16 and the upper side of the shelf region of frame 14.Spacer 56 can comprise any suitable material. In various embodiments,for example, the spacer is comprised of a wood, polymeric or plasticmaterial. In some embodiments, the spacer 56 comprises a polyurethanematerial.

FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically depict an exemplary use of a child carrierin accordance with various embodiments of the present teachings. Invarious embodiments, a carrier 12 is provided comprising a rigid orsubstantially rigid frame 14, and a rigid or substantially rigidplatform 16 configured for a person, such as a child, to stand uponextending outwardly from a lower region of the frame. As can be seen inFIG. 5, a user can wear child carrier 12 on his back, by strapping onshoulder straps 21, 22 (one of which is shown) and waist belt 26. Thewearer can kneel or squat towards the ground such that the carrier islowered, with its platform brought juxtaposed to and generally parallelto the ground. Such positioning of the platform permits a child toreadily step upon the platform. Once both feet of the child have beenplaced on platform 16, the wearer can then stand, thereby moving carrier12 away from the ground with the child standing on the platform, asshown in FIG. 6. The wearer can then move about (e.g., walk) with thechild standing on the platform. As can be seen in FIG. 6, in accordancewith various embodiments, while standing or walking, an uppermost regionof frame 14 is lower than a wearer's eye level.

Various aspects of the present teachings relate to kits for converting asuitable generally-available, external-frame backpack into a childcarrier in accordance with the teachings herein. For example, acommercially-available, external-frame backpack can be obtained, and thepack removed. Among the various models that can be converted, certainembodiments contemplate conversion of the Deuter Kid Comfort I, IIand/or III (Deuter USA; Longmont, Colo.). A platform can be secured to ashelf portion of the external frame. To this end, the kit can include aplatform and one or more pieces of mounting hardware and, optionally,one or more appropriate tools for mounting. The kit can also optionallyinclude a spacer member and anti-slip means for the platform, asdescribed herein. Further, the kit can include instructions, in paperand/or electronic format, for converting an external-frame backpack to achild carrier, in accordance with various embodiments of the presentteachings. A belt or harness assembly can be provided in the kit, asdesired, for retaining a child when standing on the platform. The beltor harness assembly can attach to the external frame and/or to theshoulder harnesses, and can be secured to a child.

All references set forth herein are expressly incorporated by referencein their entireties for all purposes.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoingdescription that the broad teachings herein can be implemented in avariety of forms. Therefore, while the present teachings have beendescribed in connection with various embodiments and examples, the scopeof the present teachings are not intended, and should not be construedto be, limited thereby. Various changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present teachings.

1. A child carrier, wearable on a user's back, comprising: an elongatesubstantially rigid frame, including first and second lateral sides, anupper region, and a lower region; first and second shoulder strapsextending from said frame; a waist belt extending from said frameadapted for dispersing weight about a user; and, a generally planar,substantially rigid platform, configured for a child to stand upon,extending outwardly from said lower region of said frame; and, wherein,upon moving the child carrier toward the ground, said platform can bepositioned generally parallel and juxtaposed thereto such that a childcan readily step upon or off of it.
 2. The carrier of claim 1, whereinsaid frame and said platform, together, generally form an “L” shape. 3.The carrier of claim 1, wherein said platform is rigidly attached atsaid lower region of said frame.
 4. The carrier of claim 1, wherein saidplatform is pivotally attached at said lower region of said frame. 5.The carrier of claim 1, further comprising at least one strap configuredto extend across and retain a child while standing on the platform. 6.The carrier of claim 1, further comprising at least one hand hold alongsaid upper region of said frame.
 7. The carrier of claim 1, wherein saidframe is, at least in part, tubular.
 8. The carrier of claim 1, whereinsaid first and second shoulder straps are connected at said first andsecond lateral sides of said frame, respectively.
 9. The carrier ofclaim 1, wherein said platform comprises a slip-resistant upper surface.10. A kit for converting a substantially rigid, external-frame backpackinto a child carrier, comprising: a platform; one or more pieces ofmounting hardware; and instructions for mounting the platform to a shelfportion of the external-frame backpack.
 11. The kit of claim 10, whereinsaid platform comprises one or more holes pre-formed therein to receivesaid one or more pieces of mounting hardware.
 12. The kit of claim 10,further comprising one or more tools configured for manipulating saidone or more pieces of mounting hardware.
 13. The kit of claim 10,further comprising a spacer member for adjusting the height of theplatform.
 14. The kit of claim 10, further comprising anti-slip meansfor the platform.
 15. The kit of claim 10, further comprising a belt orharness assembly for retaining a child when standing on the platform.16. A method for carrying a small person, comprising: providing acarrier comprising a substantially rigid frame, and a substantiallyrigid platform configured for a person to stand upon extending outwardlyfrom a lower region of said frame; strapping the carrier onto one'sback; moving the carrier toward the ground, such that said platformbecomes positioned generally parallel and juxtaposed thereto; permittingsaid person to step onto said platform, while juxtaposed to the ground,and to stand upon it; moving the carrier away from the ground, with saidperson standing on said platform; and, walking, with said personstanding on said platform.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein, whilewalking, an uppermost region of the frame is lower than a user's eyelevel.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising pivoting theplatform from a folded position to a position generally normal to theframe.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein said step of moving thecarrier toward the ground comprises kneeling or squatting.
 20. Themethod of claim 16, wherein said step of moving the carrier away fromthe ground comprises standing up.